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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

August 13, 2002 · Boeing D75N1 · N64796

Watkins, CO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 13, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Watkins, CO
Aircraft
Boeing D75N1
Tail Number
N64796
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN02LA091

The instructor said they entered the traffic pattern on the downwind leg for runway 17 (8,000 feet x 100 feet, dry asphalt), touched down "slightly tail high and bounced slightly (maybe 6 inches). The student allowed the air[plane] to turn right and bank left during the bounce. As the air[plane] touched down the second time, it swerved hard right and began to ground loop. Full left rudder and brake did not arrest the turn. The air[plane] departed the runway to the right, dragged the left wingtip (lower), turned left, dragged the right lower wing, went up on the nose, and came to rest on the propeller dome and the main gear." Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the lower left wing spar, right lower wing, and upper right wing tip. The left main gear was also damaged extensively.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing, resulting in an inadvertent ground loop. A contributing factor was the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the pilot.

Full Narrative

On August 13, 2002, approximately 0930 mountain daylight time, a Boeing D75N1, N64796, was substantially damaged when the pilot lost control during a touch and go landing at Front Range Airport, Watkins, Colorado. The airline transport pilot and his passenger received no injuries. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local personal flight being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated from Centennial Airport, Englewood, Colorado, at 0900, and was landing at its destination when the accident occurred. The instructor was in the front seat and the airplane owner who was receiving instruction was in the rear seat. The instructor said they entered the traffic pattern on the downwind leg for runway 17 (8,000 feet x 100 feet, dry asphalt). The airplane touched down "slightly tail high and bounced slightly (maybe 6 inches). The student allowed the air[plane] to turn right and bank left during the bounce. As the air[plane] touched down the second time, it swerved hard right and began to ground loop. Full left rudder and brake did not arrest the turn. The air[plane] departed the runway to the right, dragged the left wingtip (lower), turned left, dragged the right lower wing, went up on the nose, and came to rest on the propeller dome and the main gear." An oral statement made by the pilot-owner shortly after the accident corroborated the instructor's written statement. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the lower left wing spar, right lower wing, and upper right wing tip. The left main gear was also damaged extensively.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:30 MDT
Nearest AirportFront Range (0nm)
Runway17
Runway Length8000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBoeing D75N1
Tail NumberN64796
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · R-985-AN · Reciprocating · 450
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 52 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 72 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 43 C
Altimeter30.22 inHg
Observation Time14:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data